Nevada’s Reno Philharmonic Extends Music Director Contract

Conductor Laura Jackson will continue her role through the 2028/29 concert season

Following the last 15 years as Reno Philharmonic’s music director and conductor, Laura Jackson will continue her work in leading the orchestra through the 2028/29 season.

“The musicians of the Reno Phil look forward to working with Laura in continuing to grow the orchestra’s contributions and relationships across the Northern Nevada community,” noted the Reno Phil Players’ Committee chair Jordan Pyle in the press release.Jackson’s career began at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where she was the first female assistant conductor from 2004 to 2007. She joined Reno Phil in her current role in 2009. 

Under her leadership, the Reno Phil has expanded its engagement programs and collaborations, plus commissioned new works — most recently, Jimmy Lopez Bellido’s Symphony No. 3 Altered Landscape, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy.

Jackson also works with the Davidson Institute, Reno’s renowned academy for gifted youth, from which she regularly features the awardees of its prestigious music Fellowships to perform in concert with the Reno Phil; this season, she helped stage the world premiere of longing is an aviary composed by Reno Phil Youth Orchestra alumni Paul Novak. 

Dedicated to supporting female representation in classical music, the Reno Phil and Jackson partnered with Marin Alsop last season to bring the Taki-Alsop Conducting Fellowship Global Concert Series to Reno. Alongside masterclasses and group discussions, the performances celebrated women composers, performers, and conductors, including Spanish conductor Irene Delgado-Jiménez.

As a guest conductor, Jackson recently made her debut with the Buffalo Philharmonic and with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the symphonies of Atlanta, Baltimore, Hartford, Alabama, Berkeley, Hawaii, Detroit, Toronto, Orlando, as well as with orchestras across Europe and Asia. In 2013, she became the first American to guest conduct the Algerian National Orchestra.

“I am grateful to have a tremendous partner in Laura as we continue to shape the orchestra’s future,” said Reno Phil’s President and CEO, Aaron Doty in the press release. “Laura is integral when it comes to reaching and serving a growing Northern Nevada community, I am excited for the future that lies ahead.”

“I dearly love the musicians of the Reno Phil and I am so honored to have the opportunity to continue serving as Music Director in this very special community," Jackson commented. “The Reno Phil family of dedicated musicians and singers, staff, Board, and volunteers continually inspires me, and I couldn’t ask for a better team. We have so many wonderful ideas and plans for the years ahead and I simply cannot wait for this next chapter to begin.”

“The Reno Phil strives to create memorable musical experiences for all in our community and Laura has been a wonderful part of bringing that vision to life,” added Meagan Noin, chairperson of the Reno Phil Board of Trustees. “Laura brings both innovation and a sense of tradition to the Reno Phil and myself and the rest of the board are pleased to announce Laura will continue to be at the helm of the Reno Phil’s musical repertoire.”